NHL FanHouse http://nhl.fanhouse.com NHL FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif NHL FanHouse http://nhl.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Fight of the Week: Princeton's Favorite Son Drops Them Againhttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/06/fight-of-the-week/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/06/fight-of-the-week/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/06/fight-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Every Friday, FanHouse sifts through the rubble and picks the best NHL fight, with the help of HockeyFights.com.

A light week on the card, but there was a relatively surprising bout and some pretty good ones to choose from. Highlighting it is our favorite former Princeton player, a gentleman who has made a name for himself by being a really good fighter. Of course, the big news of the week involved a team captain dropping the gloves with a random defenseman.

Huh? Fight of the Week: Marek Zidlicky vs. Sidney Crosby

Sometimes, guys are obviously planning to fight before they drop the gloves. Others are clearly spontaneous. This one falls under the latter. Crosby and Zidlicky had enough of using their sticks, and decided to use fists instead. Watch it here.

Beatdown of the Week: Kent Huskins vs. Jared Boll

Boll is one of the league's real up-and-coming heavyweights, and he dominated this scrap. It started with a hard hit on Huskins by Boll, and quickly became a fight. Just as fast as it started, Boll emphatically ended it. He then proceeded to stand over his conquest like a predator stands over lunch. Watch the fight here.

Runner-Up: Dane Byers vs. Tanner Glass

This was a little quick for most fans' tastes, but some really good punches were thrown. Byers got off to a quick start, but Glass got the last laugh, or "shot," if you prefer. Check it out here.

Fight of the Week: Wade Belak vs. George Parros

Parros is a top fighter, and he got all he could handle in this one from Thursday night. The Predators might not have done much to stay in the game, but Belak more than held his own against one of the best.

There is some solid back-and-forth between the two, and the ending is kind of a surprise. Too bad for the Ducks' TV people that the fight was over by the time they got the "Tale of the Tape" graphic ready.

Fight of the Week: Princeton's Favorite Son Drops Them Again originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>dane byersfight of the weekFightOfTheWeekgeorge parrosjared bollkent huskinsmarek zidlickysidney crosbytanner glasswade belakBruce CiskieFri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST Backchecking With ... Manny Malhotra http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/backchecking-with-manny-malhotra/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/backchecking-with-manny-malhotra/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/backchecking-with-manny-malhotra/#commentsFiled under:


We get to know NHL players with five quick questions. Today's subject: Manny Malhotra, who is in his first year with the first-place San Jose Sharks.

What is your earliest hockey memory?

That would have to be tryouts, when I was seven years old. All the kids came together to do an evaluation, doing basic drills and evaluating skating, and my dad, my brother and my sister were there watching. The end boards were along the cafeteria area, and I didn't know how to stop. I'd just go up the ice and crash into the boards, and go back and crash into the boards. So I crashed right in front of them.

But it turned out all right. I can stop now.

I played road hockey and stuff, like every kid, but I was the youngest of four and we were soccer players; my dad is from East India and was a soccer player and tennis player. But when a kid down the street started ice hockey, I asked if I could try, and my parents were willing to let us play any sport. And they figured I'd get tired of the cold, early mornings. I didn't.

What's the best thing about playing in the NHL? The worst?

Everything about it is the coolest thing. I'd dreamed about being an NHL player since I was that 7-year-old kid crashing into the boards.

The long travel is tough, especially when you have kids, because you miss your family, obviously. But it's cool to see all the other NHL cities and we travel pretty well, we eat in good restaurants. I'd have to say the worst part for me is riding the (exercise) bike. It's so boring, so monotonous, but you have to do it.

Are you superstitious or do you have any regular routines?

I try not to be superstitious in case something goes wrong -- then you've screwed yourself. But I do have routines, like most guys so. What time to eat, what time to nap.

What player would you most like to deliver a good, hard hit on?

Obviously a clean one. (Smiles.) Just in the heat of battle, whichever guy is deserving at that point. There's not really one guy.

I'd most like to get a good lick on every one of those skilled players, the slimy ones you think you have lined up but they get out of it somehow. I've never seen Pavel Datsyuk or Henrik Zetterberg get hit hard. Kristian Huselius, Mike Cammalleri. I want to know how to get one of those guys.

Which current or former player would you most like to be like?

When I was in New York, Adam Graves taught me a lot about the game on the ice and off, and I watched the way he carried himself. He was very much a gentleman and he was a great role model, active in the community, a great teammate and statistically a great player. All around, I'm not sure you'd find a better role model.

What about your brother-in-law (Steve Nash)?

A skinny white kid playing basketball? (Laughs.) That's just not right.

Backchecking With ... Manny Malhotra originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>backcheckingmanny malhotraMannyMalhotraSusan SlusserThu, 05 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST Carolina's Nightmare Start Continueshttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/carolinas-nightmare-start-continues/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/carolinas-nightmare-start-continues/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/carolinas-nightmare-start-continues/#commentsFiled under: ,

Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our weekday look at the previous night's action and some of the story lines taking place around the league. Have a tip or something you want linked? Send it in to nhlfanhouse@gmail.com.

Sharks 5, Hurricanes 1: Six months ago, the Carolina Hurricanes were in the Eastern Conference Final, just four wins away from playing for the right to claim Lord Stanley's Cup. Granted, they were swept in four straight games by the team that eventually won it all, but the point remains, they were one of the final four teams playing in the NHL. Fast forward to early November, and the 'Canes find themselves near the bottom of the standings, having now lost nine straight games, including Sunday's 5-1 drubbing at home against San Jose.

Through the first 13 games of this season, only one team -- Toronto -- has fewer points than Carolina's seven, while no team has scored fewer than its 28 goals. The 'Canes are also tied with Toronto for the most goals allowed with 50. Over their past three losses, they've been outscored by a lopsided 16-4 margin.

On an individual level, Eric Staal, who left Sunday's loss with an injury, has just five points (three goals, two assists), while Cam Ward, the franchise goaltender, has been mediocre at best between the pipes.

If you're a 'Canes fan, I guess the optimistic viewpoint is that there's still 69 games to play in the regular season (and that's a lot of hockey) and it's pretty hard to imagine that Staal and Ward, the two players that make this team go, are going to continue to be this bad. Still, as far as bad starts go, it's hard to picture one worse than this.

Sunday's Other Games

Marian Gaborik returned to the lineup for the Rangers and scored the only goal (his 11th of the season) in a 1-0 win over Boston. Henrik Lundqvist stopped all 29 shots he faced for his first shutout of the season. [Box Score, Recap]

The Blue Jackets defeated Washington in overtime. The Capitals played most of the game without the services of Alex Ovechkin. [Box Score, Ovechkin Hurt]

Andrew Raycroft steps up and gets the shutout in Vancouver's 3-0 win over Colorado. [Box Score, Recap]

Loose Pucks

-- The top five goalie masks in the NHL. Of the top two, my personal preference would be Josh Harding's, but still some solid choices. This is important because ... [The Program]

-- ... this past weekend was the anniversary of Jacques Plante becoming the first goaltender to protect his face/head with a mask. [Puck Daddy]

-- And one more on goalie masks, this from Bruce M at the Copper & Blue. [The Copper & Blue]

Video Of The Day

Awesome sequence in the Carolina vs. San Jose game, as Evgeni Nabokov makes a huge save at one end of the ice, which leads to a two-on-one rush for the Sharks that is finished with Marc-Edouard Vlasic's second goal of the season.



Monday's Key Games

Islanders vs. Oilers: This would have been an outstanding matchup 24 years ago. The New York Islanders have won three in a row, and they look to add to their streak when Dustin Penner and the Edmonton Oilers come to town.

Lightning vs. Flyers: The Flyers are just 3-4-1 over their past eight games, but are coming off a 6-1 dismantling of Carolina over the weekend. They host Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning who have earned a point in four straight contests.

Coyotes vs. Kings: Two teams off to their best starts in quite some team face off in Phoenix. It's already the third meeting of the season between these two squads, with each team winning one.

Carolina's Nightmare Start Continues originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Adam GretzMon, 02 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST Avalanche at Sharks Live Bloghttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/avalanche-at-sharks-live-blog/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/avalanche-at-sharks-live-blog/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/avalanche-at-sharks-live-blog/#commentsFiled under: ,

Last year's top regular-season team, the Sharks, takes on the league's current top squad, the Avalanche, tonight at 10:30 p.m. Eastern and FanHouse will be there, blogging live and fielding questions.

Of the Western Conference's many surprise teams -- Phoenix and Los Angeles are also going strong and Columbus started off fast - Colorado might be the biggest. The Avs had a conference-low 69 points last season and they scored a league-low 199 goals.

Now, behind hot goalie Craig Anderson, Colorado is 10-12 and coming into San Jose to face a Sharks team that lost to the Avs 5-2 on opening night. San Jose is tied with the Kings atop the Pacific Division and has won three in a row, while Colorado has won four straight. Join us for what should be a good one.

Avalanche at Sharks Live Blog originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Susan SlusserFri, 30 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST Puck Talk: Heading Out Westhttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/puck-talk-heading-out-west/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/puck-talk-heading-out-west/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/puck-talk-heading-out-west/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


There are a number of compelling stories in the NHL's Western Conference. Not only are the Colorado Avalanche off to a ridiculous start, but the Los Angeles Kings are playing great, San Jose is lurking, and Anaheim is still plagued by bad penalties and not enough offense.

FanHouse's Susan Slusser joins us from her West Coast perch this week, as we examine these issues and talk about her beloved Red Wings' slow start. Listen after the jump.



Listen to the podcast above, or click here to download the file.

Puck Talk: Heading Out West originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>puck talkBruce CiskieThu, 29 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST Rangers Blown Out as Win Streak Endshttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/19/rangers-blown-out-as-win-streak-ends/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/19/rangers-blown-out-as-win-streak-ends/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/19/rangers-blown-out-as-win-streak-ends/#commentsFiled under: ,

NEW YORK -- With the Yankees in the ALCS, the Giants contending for another Super Bowl appearance and the ups and downs of Mark Sanchez captivating the city, the 7-1 start of the Rangers had fallen under the New York radar.

So it's only fair not to make too big a deal of the Rangers getting their doors blown off by San Jose on Monday night in a 7-3 loss at Madison Square Garden. Just like the seven-game winning streak, this too shall pass.

"As bad as it was, it's just one game and two points," said Rangers captain Chris Drury.

Drury was right, especially the bad part.

After jumping out to a 2-0 lead midway through the first period, the Rangers broke down in every aspect of the game. On a goal with two minutes left in the first period to tie the game at 2-2, Dany Heatley caught usually reliable Rangers defensemen Dan Girardi and Marc Staal standing still, split the D and showed his world-class hands in slapping a bouncing puck past goalie Stephen Valiquette.

Unnecessary penalties of the hooking, holding and tripping variety led to a parade to the penalty box and a pair of power goals for the Sharks. Asked for the areas in which his team failed, Rangers coach John Tortorella said, "Penalties. If guys don't stop taking them, I guess they'll have to lose some ice time. The only hammer coaches have is ice time." As for the Rangers' other failures, the coach said, "I'm not going to go through the list."

San Jose SharksThe Rangers gave up five goals in their previous five games. In a total team effort from Valiquette to the defense and forwards, the Rangers allowed five goals by the Sharks in the first two periods. With the game essentially over at 5-2 after two, the third period played like the second half of the Giants' blowout loss in New Orleans on Sunday. The key was to get through it without anyone getting hurt.

Give the talented and tough Sharks plenty of credit for ending the Rangers' streak. After getting off to a slow start for the second game in a row -- they were out-shot 19-8 and trailed the Islanders 1-0 after one on Saturday -- San Jose got their game back and let their high skill level take over. "The attitude was good, even when we were down 2-0," said Heatley, who had a goal and an assist. "When we needed them, we scored the big goals." Defenseman Dan Boyle called the win "a big opportunity for us. We've been playing .500 hockey and the Rangers had won seven in a row. We passed a good test on the road."

The Rangers failed the challenge presented by a top team in the West, but won't lose any sleep over it. "Plain and simple, we lost the momentum and couldn't get it back," said New York center Brandon Dubinsky. "We haven't played our best for a while. I'm not concerned because I know what we have here. We'll take a few days to get the wheels back on the bus."

If the notoriously demanding Tortorella was looking for a game to knock his sky-high team down a peg, the head coach has plenty of video to show at practice the next two days. The Rangers' next game is Thursday at home against New Jersey.

"We have some things to work on," said Tortorella.

Notes: San Jose was led by two goals and an assist from Devin Setoguchi and a goal and an assist from Patrick Marleau ... Sharks right wing Ryan Vesce, who grew up a Rangers fan in Lloyd Harbor, Long Island, scored his second NHL goal on Monday after getting his first Saturday in a San Jose win over the Islanders in front of his family at Nassau Coliseum.

Valiquette, starting his second game of the year, was benched after two periods in favor of No. 1 starter Henrik Lundqvist. "I thought Vali fought it," said Tortorella. "I was hoping he'd fight through it. I don't think he was sharp. That hurt us."

Rangers rookie defenseman Michael Del Zotto scored his fourth goal of season and his ninth point in nine games. Although he was eligible to be returned to London of the Ontario Hockey League without the Rangers losing a year off his Entry Level contract, his superb play has earned him a permanent spot on the roster ... Rangers captain Chris Drury played his 800th NHL game. Enforcer Donald Brashear is three games away from playing his 1000th game.

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Latest NHL Images
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: of the San Jose Sharks of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 19, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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Latest NHL Images

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: of the San Jose Sharks of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 19, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Joe Thornton #19 of the San Jose Sharks hits Brandon Dubinsky #17 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 19, 2009 in New York City. The Sharks defeated the Rangers 7-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brandon Dubinsky;Joe Thornton

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Ryan Vesce #53 of the San Jose Sharks scores a third period goal against the New York Rangers as he is hit by Dan Girardi #5 at Madison Square Garden on October 19, 2009 in New York City. The Sharks defeated the Rangers 7-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryan Vesce;Dan Girardi

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Evgeni Nabokov #20 of the San Jose Sharks covers the puck against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 19, 2009 in New York City. The Sharks defeated the Rangers 7-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Evgeni Nabokov

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Joe Thornton #19 of the San Jose Sharks embraces Devin Setoguchi #16 after his second goal of the second period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 19, 2009 in New York City. The Sharks defeated the Rangers 7-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Thornton;Devin Setoguchi

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Joe Thornton #19 of the San Jose Sharks hits Dan Boyle #22 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 19, 2009 in New York City. The Sharks defeated the Rangers 7-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dan Boyle;Joe Thornton

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Dany Heatley #15 of the San Jose Sharks celebrates a third period goal be teammate Ryan Vesce #53 (not shown) against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 19, 2009 in New York City. The Sharks defeated the Rangers 7-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dany Heatley;Ryan Vesce

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Sean Avery #16 of the New York Rangers skates against Jason Demers #60 of the San Jose Sharks on October 19, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Sean Avery;Jason Demers

    NHLI via Getty Images

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Devin Setoguchi #16 of the San Jose Sharks races for the puck against Marc Staal #18 of the New York Rangers on October 19, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Marc Staal;Devin Setoguchi

    NHLI via Getty Images

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Ryane Clowe #29 of the San Jose Sharks takes a shot against Stephen Valiquette #40 of the New York Rangers on October 19, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryane Clowe;Stephen Valiquette

    NHLI via Getty Images

Rangers Blown Out as Win Streak Ends originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>john tortorellaChristopher BottaMon, 19 Oct 2009 22:40:00 EST Another Milestone For Nicklas Lidstrom: 1,000 Pointshttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/16/another-milestone-for-nicklas-lidstrom-1-000-points/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/16/another-milestone-for-nicklas-lidstrom-1-000-points/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/16/another-milestone-for-nicklas-lidstrom-1-000-points/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our Weekday look at the previous night's action and some of the storylines taking place around the league. Have a tip or something you want linked? Send it in to nhlfanhouse@gmail.com.

Red Wings 5, Kings 2: Four Stanley Cups, six Norris Trophies, a Conn Smythe Trophy, 10 All-Star games, and now ... 1,000 career points. With his assist on Henrik Zetterberg's goal at the 3:24 mark of the third period (his second assist of the game), Nicklas Lidstrom recorded the 1,000th point of his remarkable career, joining fellow rearguards Paul Coffey, Ray Bourque, Al MacInnis, Phil Housley, Brian Leetch, Larry Murphy, and Denis Potvin as the only defensemen to reach such a mark. As for the rest of the Wings, they pulled out a 5-2 win against the Los Angeles Kings, and did so in shorthanded fashion, playing without the services of not only injured forward Johan Franzen, but also Pavel Datsyuk.
After the jump: Video of Lidstrom's milestone, Ovechkin scores two, and more

Capitals 4, Sharks 1: Alex Ovechkin entered Thursday's game riding a three-game goal-less streak, which seems like an eternity for him. It goes without saying that he was probably due for a goal or two, and, hark, that's exactly what he provided in a 4-1 win against San Jose, while also recording 13 of Washington's 36 shots on goal. Alexander Semin and Matt Bradley also filled the net for Washington, while Semyon Varlamov stopped 15 shots. Varlamov took over for Jose Theodore when he left with an injury following the first period.

Avalanche 3, Canadiens 2: After a five-game road trip to open the season, the Montreal Canadiens finally had their home opener on Thursday night and the surprising Colorado Avalanche managed to crash the party with a 3-2 win. The Avs received goals from Milan Hejduk, Kyle Cumiskey and Ryan O'Reilly, while Craig Anderson continued to shine by stopping 29 of 31 shots. Despite a rare 7-on-5 power play to close out the game, Montreal's final push came up just short.

Thursday's Other Games

Hats off to Milan Michalek for his hat trick in Ottawa's 7-1 win over Tampa Bay. [Box Score, Recap]

Chicago improves to 5-1-1 with its win in Nashville. [Box Score, Recap]

Phoenix beats St. Louis in overtime. [Box Score, Recap]

Loose Pucks

-- Vancouver Canucks forward Pavol Demitra is dealing with shoulder tendinitis. [Nucks Misconduct]

-- The Phoenix Coyotes sent 2008 first-round pick Mikkel Boedker to San Antonio of the AHL. [Arizona Republic]

-- Don't look now, but Marc-Andre Fleury is 6-0. [Pensburgh]

Video Of The Day

Nice work, Mr. Lidstrom.



Friday's Key Games

Islanders vs. Sabres: The Islanders haven't won in four games, and all four have been decided by one goal, including three overtime decisions. They travel to Buffalo to take on the Sabres who have yet to lose in regulation.

Flyers vs. Panthers: Florida hasn't won since its season-opening win against Chicago in Finland. The Panthers have another tough game on Friday when they host The Broad Street Bullies.

Canucks vs. Flames: After opening with three straight losses, the Canucks have won two in a row. The Flames, after opening with four straight wins, have now lost three in a row. The two teams meet Friday in Calgary.

Another Milestone For Nicklas Lidstrom: 1,000 Points originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Adam GretzFri, 16 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST Puck Talk: Just How Good Is Ovechkin?http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/09/puck-talk-just-how-good-is-ovechkin/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/09/puck-talk-just-how-good-is-ovechkin/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/09/puck-talk-just-how-good-is-ovechkin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin
The NHL season has begun, and it sure was an interesting first week. A scoring binge in Washington, stunning defensive start in Denver, and a stumble out of the gates in San Jose. FanHouse national NHL insider Christopher Botta joins us this week, as we break down the lid-lifters around the league. Listen after the jump.



Listen to the podcast above, or click here to download the file.

Puck Talk: Just How Good Is Ovechkin? originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>alex ovechkinpuck talkBruce CiskieFri, 09 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST Fight of the Week: Long, Competitive Southeast Division Scraphttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/09/fight-of-the-week-long-competitive-southeast-division-scrap/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/09/fight-of-the-week-long-competitive-southeast-division-scrap/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/09/fight-of-the-week-long-competitive-southeast-division-scrap/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Every Friday, FanHouse sifts through the rubble and picks the best NHL fight, with the help of HockeyFights.com.

Fighting will always be controversial. Many fans say that it's as much a part of hockey as the ice is. Others would rather it went away, even if they may secretly enjoy it. However, it seems that fighting is here to stay in the NHL. This week's card included a few heavyweight bouts, an unlikely matchup in Alberta, and a rather long, intense fight between division rivals.

Honorable Mention: Craig Conroy vs. Sam Gagner

Video can be found here. No, the Oilers haven't signed an enforcer named Sam Gagner. The young, dynamic center apparently thought it was his job to use his fists to ignite his team. CBC's Mark Lee was almost incredulous. The best part? Big Zach Stortini of Edmonton was a spectator.

Runner-Up: Jay Harrison vs. Milan Lucic

The video is here. Sometimes, a fight's quality is hurt because it doesn't last long enough. Harrison had good intentions here, but he was completely overmatched, and he ended up wearing the ol' crimson mask because of his decision to try to fight Lucic. Quality visual on this one, and great work by Lucic, but it was too much of a mismatch to climb atop the list for this week.

Runner-Up: Jody Shelley vs. Raitis Ivanans

Watch the video here. Shelley's teammate looked to throw an unnecessary hit on an icing play, and Ivanans did his job, going after the heavyweight and sticking up for a teammate. Good scrap between fighters who share space in the Pacific Division, so they're probably familiar with each other's work.

Fight of the Week: Zenon Konopka vs. Chris Thorburn

Konopka has never played more than 23 games in an NHL season. He was up against a slightly bigger and more experienced Thorburn in this fight from Saturday's Thrasher home opener. The two combined for one of the longer fights of the week, and there was some serious intensity from both sides.

Fight of the Week: Long, Competitive Southeast Division Scrap originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>fight of the weekBruce CiskieFri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST Hockey Talk: NHL FanHouse Live Chathttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/07/nhl-fanhouse-live-chat/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/07/nhl-fanhouse-live-chat/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/07/nhl-fanhouse-live-chat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The opening week of the NHL season featured plenty of excitement, a few surprises, some bitter fans (mainly DirecTV customers), and some fisticuffs.

The NHL FanHouse gang will break down the events so far in a live chat at 2 PM ET. Join us after the jump.

Hockey Talk: NHL FanHouse Live Chat originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Bruce CiskieWed, 07 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST Avs Honor Joe Sakic; Canadiens Beat Leafs in Overtimehttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/02/keep-avs-honor-joe-sakic-canadiens-beat-leafs-in-overtime/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/02/keep-avs-honor-joe-sakic-canadiens-beat-leafs-in-overtime/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/02/keep-avs-honor-joe-sakic-canadiens-beat-leafs-in-overtime/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our Weekday look at the previous night's action and some of the storylines taking place around the league. Have a tip or something you want linked? Send it in to nhlfanhouse@gmail.com.

Avalanche 5, Sharks 2: The Colorado Avalanche gave their fans something to celebrate before the game by retiring the number of future Hall of Famer Joe Sakic (the banner only includes the franchises time in Colorado which seems ... odd). During the game, they gave their fans something else to celebrate as their team put on an impressive showing in a convincing 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. Wojtek Wolski scored a pair of goals for Colorado, while first-round pick Matt Duchene had a strong debut, flashing some of the ability that made him the No. 3 overall pick in June. The story of the night for the Avs, however, was the play of goaltender Craig Anderson.
After the jump: Montreal steals one, video of the night, key games this weekend

Anderson, a free agent acquisition from Florida this offseason, stopped 38 of 40 shots, including all 19 he faced in the third period as the Avalanche were outshot by a 19-1 margin in the final frame. He also came up large midway through the period as Colorado successfully killed off a full two-minute, two-man advantage.

He did get some help when San Jose's big offseason pickup, Dany Heatley, whiffed on a wide-open one-time attempt from right on the door step.

Canadiens 4, Maple Leafs 3: I don't know how many games the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to win this season, but if Thursday's season opener is any indication, they're going to be must-see TV on most nights. Fights. Goals. Pressure. Intensity. Hell, it took free agent signing Colton Orr just two minutes to throw down with Georges Laraque in what was the first of three fights on the night.

Their spirited effort against long-time nemesis Montreal wasn't enough, however, as Josh Gorges banged home a rebound with under 10 seconds to play in overtime to give the Canadiens a 4-3 win. After Matt Stajan gave Toronto a 3-2 lead midway through the third period -- his second goal of the game -- Glen Metropolit evened the score with 4:46 to play in the third period, forcing overtime. Carey Price stood tall in net for Montreal, turning aside 43 of 46 shots, while Vesa Toskala surrendered four goals on 27 shots for the Leafs.

The Rest Of Thursday's Action

Alex Ovechkin and Brooks Laich each score a pair as the Capitals dominate Boston. [Box Score, Botta's Recap]

Calgary holds off Vancouver's comeback attempt. [Box Score, Recap]

Loose Pucks

-- Not everybody in Chicago is expecting a Stanley Cup from the Blackhawks this season. Take, for example, Mike Kiley on Blackhawks Confidential. I'll supply the PG part: "Shut up about the Stanley Cup finals being within reach. Shut up about One Goal. Shut up about Cup or Bust." [Blackhawks Confidential]

-- In a mailbag segment at the Washingon Post on Thursday, a reader asked Thomas Boswell if "Theo" (as in Capitals goaltender Jose Theodore) can have a consistent season, and even makes a reference to "opening night." Boswell responds with 151 words about Theo Epstein and the Boston Red Sox. Yikes. [Washington Post, via Japers Rink]

-- Free agent forward Blair Betts signs a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Flyers. [CSN Philadelphia]

Video Of The Night

We'll give it to Washington Capitals forward Brooks Laich for scoring the first goal of the NHL season, his first of two on the night. Not the best goal you'll see, but it's the first of the season and that's always a pleasant sight.



Key Games To Watch This Weekend

Penguins vs. Rangers: The Stanley Cup banner gets raised at Mellon Arena on Friday night as the Penguins host their Atlantic Division rivals. Captain Sidney Crosby is nursing a sore groin but is expected to be in the lineup, even if he's not 100 percent.

European Vacation: The Red Wings and Blues will spend their weekend playing a pair of games in Stockholm, Sweden, while the Panthers and Blackhawks drop the puck in Helsinki, Finland. All four teams that opened the season overseas a year ago went through in-season coaching changes. Odds of that repeating this year: 0 percent.

Islanders vs. Penguins: The Islanders open their season on Saturday night and celebrate the arrival of No. 1 overall pick John Tavares.

Lighting vs. Thrashers: Speaking of debuts ... No. 2 overall pick Victor Hedman and the Tampa Bay Lightning travel to Atlanta on Saturday night.

All 30 teams will be in action on Saturday night.

Avs Honor Joe Sakic; Canadiens Beat Leafs in Overtime originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Adam GretzFri, 02 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST Dany Heatley Arrives in San Josehttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/18/dany-heatley-arrives-in-san-jose/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/18/dany-heatley-arrives-in-san-jose/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/18/dany-heatley-arrives-in-san-jose/#commentsFiled under:

SAN JOSE -- Six days after the trade was completed sending Dany Heatley from Ottawa to San Jose, the Sharks' newest forward arrived at HP Pavilion.

In a press conference on the ice level of the arena, Heatley donned a No. 15 Sharks jersey and answered questions along with general manager Doug Wilson for 15 minutes. Before that., Heatley was on the ice briefly playing with presumptive linemates Joe Thornton and Devin Setoguchi. Earlier in the week, he'd gotten on the ice with his dad, Murray, as he waited for visa issues to be resolved.

"It definitely felt good," Heatley said of his morning workout Friday. "It was a lot of fun with those guys -- a lot more fun than skating by myself."

Heatley said he feels ready to go right away, but he's more likely to be worked in slowly during the preseason. The Sharks' uptempo, shoot-a-lot style should suit the two-time 50-goal scorer to a 'T.' Though Heatley never has addressed his reasons for requesting a trade from Ottawa specifically, he had suggested he didn't always like the way he was used. On Friday, he met with Sharks coach Todd McLellan and his assistants, saw some video and got a sense of San Jose's approach.

"I like shooting the puck," Heatley said with a grin. "I'm ready to go. I like the style of the team. I like this offensive, shooting style."

Wilson said that the team is proud to welcome Heatley and he forcefully headed off any possible suggestion that Heatley might be a prima donna by detailing his tremendous international career for Canada. Of national team hockey players, Wilson said, "No one gives up more for no compensation and puts their butts on the line." Wilson said it would have been preferable if Heatley's trade request had stayed private -- he noted that he's had several players request trades over the years and the details were kept in-house.

"It should have played out differently," Wilson said. "It should have been more private."

The Sharks have no character concerns about Heatley, according to Wilson, who checked with his good friend Steve Yzerman, Team Canada's general manager, along with several others who are well acquainted with Heatley. Since Wilson is from Ottawa, he knows many people there with insights into Heatley's time with the Senators, and San Jose's assistant GM, Wayne Thomas, has known Heatley since he was a child.

"There is no question about him as a hockey player and as a man," Wilson said. "We are happy to have him here."

Heatley and the Sharks both have something to prove, Heatley after his trade demand and the Sharks after getting bounced in the first round by eighth-seeded Anaheim. The team and the player are both emphasizing moving forward, not looking back.

"Any time you don't win, you haven't done your best job," Heatley said. "Everyone is excited to get back on the ice and show what we can do."

Heatley has been portrayed as a villain by some in the Canadian press, he was asked if he thought that might hurt his chances with Team Canada. (Unlikely, considering his scoring prowess for the team and Yzerman's recommendation to Wilson.)

"I understand some media up there wrote a lot of negative things, but as far as the Olympic team, I'm not concerned at all," he said. "Especially the Olympics -- if you can't pick the best team based on merit, something is wrong."

Dany Heatley Arrives in San Jose originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>dany heatleySusan SlusserFri, 18 Sep 2009 16:42:00 EST Looking at Sharks' Leadership Shakeup http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/17/taking-a-look-at-the-sharks-leadership-shakeup/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/17/taking-a-look-at-the-sharks-leadership-shakeup/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/17/taking-a-look-at-the-sharks-leadership-shakeup/#commentsFiled under:

SAN JOSE -- Few sports place the kind of emphasis on the captain's spot that hockey does, with the obvious exception of sailing. Many pro sports have no captains, or very few, such as the Yankees' Derek Jeter.

Does the captain matter in hockey? Is it a mere title for a veteran or for a vocal team leader? Can a determined captain take his team to the Stanley Cup finals or provide calm during an emotional series? Can an ineffective captain fail to provide the necessary leadership?

That's not easy to quantify. Plenty of capable players, well respected by their teammates, haven't reached the finals. Other teams have thrived with captains less inspirational than their opponents'.

San Jose general manager Doug Wilson and head coach Todd McLellan decided to remove the letters from the Sharks' sweaters last month, throwing open the leadership positions during the team's camp.

"It is what it is. I'm not going to cry. I'll lead the same way I always do and keep doing what I can." The Sharks, who were bounced in the first round despite compiling the league's best record last season, aren't portraying the decision as an indictment of former captain Patrick Marleau, who was the target of much criticism in the wake of the team's ouster. San Jose is depicting this as an opportunity to see what everyone on the club has to offer in terms of leadership -- it's a new beginning for all, not just Marleau and former alternate captain Joe Thornton. (Mike Grier, who also wore an "A" last season, signed with Buffalo).

"It's not a slight or a reflection on Patrick but on everyone on the team," Wilson said of the decision. "We believe we have 23 potential leaders."

McLellan downplayed the fact that Marleau has lost his "C," saying that he, McLellan, was used to working with different captains every two or three years while moving around in hockey's lower levels. He even mentioned to FanHouse that during his time as an assistant coach in Detroit, the captaincy changed hands, going from Steve Yzerman to Nicklas Lidstrom. That's a little disingenuous, considering Yzerman was the longest serving captain ever for a major North American sports franchise.

The San Jose players say that they welcome the challenge of opening up the leadership spots. And in the early days of camp, many of them said that it takes an effort from the entire group, not just from one or three men.

"Standards are set in the room," veteran defenseman Rob Blake told FanHouse. "Not by the 'C' and the 'A.' Everyone has to hold those standards up. Everyone's voice will be heard. It just makes it simpler if there is no captain.

"At certain times during the season, the captain can mean a lot, but it depends on the team -- for a young team, it's probably more important. But this team has played in a lot of playoff series and everyone has a little bit of a say."

Marleau isn't the first man to lose his "C." Vinny Lecavalier was the captain in Tampa Bay for parts of two seasons when very young, then lost the role in 2001 only to be renamed captain in 2008. Brenden Morrow succeeded Mike Modano as captain in Dallas despite the fact that Modano was still there.

"It is what it is," Marleau said. "I'm not going to cry. I'll lead the same way I always do and keep doing what I can. Each year, you learn more about what to do. It's nothing like neon lights blinking, but a little more of everything."

McLellan has said everyone is in the mix when it comes to the captain and the alternates, though it seems unlikely that Marleau would regain his former role. Hard-nosed defenseman Dan Boyle is considered a strong front-runner for that spot, and Blake is a good candidate for an 'A.' Wilson recently mentioned that it's hard for players to come to a new team and assert themselves as leaders immediately; he didn't name anyone in particular, but highly respected Boyle and Blake were in their first seasons in San Jose in 2008-2009.

Boyle knows he's often mentioned as a possible captain and he told FanHouse, "I'm OK with it as long as Patrick and Joe are OK with it. This is a fresh start for everyone.

"I don't think there needs to be a letter on a sweater for anyone to be a leader. The veteran guys, we know we're the leadership group, we need to control things, steer the way.

"Really, whatever is best for the team is what I want. No matter what happens, I want to step up my game and be the best leader and player I can be."

Looking at Sharks' Leadership Shakeup originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Susan SlusserThu, 17 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST Bloggers React to Heatley Tradehttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/14/bloggers-react-to-heatley-trade/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/14/bloggers-react-to-heatley-trade/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/14/bloggers-react-to-heatley-trade/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's been a couple days since Dany Heatley was shipped from Ottawa to San Jose, so we've all had a little time to take a step back and look a the trade. Today, some of the best and brightest in the two blogospheres involved have taken the time to share their views on the trade with us. I have an odd feeling that the Senators' bloggers feel a lot of relief now that the trade has been mad but, to find out, follow me through the jump.

First to chime in on the trade are the Sharks bloggers.

"I've got a lot of great Sharks memories associated with Jonathan Cheechoo, which is why it's kinda sad to see him go. He's had groin/abdomen injuries over the past few years, and that's limited his ability to get into open spaces or drive the net for rebounds. You'd get these flashes of his wicked one timer or his great hands, but during the times he was healthy, Todd McLellan would put him on the third line because Devin Setoguchi was playing so well. So losing Cheech doesn't take too much out of the Sharks lineup.

As for Milan Michalek, well, the worst part about losing him is I won't get to make fun of my friend's Michalek jersey anymore (we teased him that he should have put "Trade Bait" on it)...

I still worry about Heatley's work ethic. McLellan's system requires a lot of hustle and communication and there's not a lot of room for freelancing. I hope Doug Wilson sees something that we didn't, and maybe it'll be up to Dan Boyle and Rob Blake to put Heatley in his place. I get the feeling that the deal will either be sheer genius or a horrible disaster: sure, you'd rather have Heatley's talent than Michalek's in your lineup but that contract could be a giant albatross for years to come."

- Mike Chen, Mike Chen's Hockey Blog

"The Sharks add a potential 50 goal 100 point player without having to give up former captain Patrick Marleau or a first round draft pick for the third straight season. Heatley could be put on the top line with Joe Thornton and Devin Setoguchi, with Marleau sliding down to a second line with Joe Pavelski and Ryane Clowe. For the Sharks, scoring is not going to be a problem in 2009-10. They will have to focus on maintaining their intensity over an 82 game schedule, and developing a new tougher identity.

Heatley cited a diminished role in Ottawa as the reason for demanding a trade. In San Jose, regular season success is almost a little bit of an albatross. Only performance in the postseason matters. The Sharks have had problems responding to physical challenges, locking down leads late in games, playing with intensity from the drop of the puck, and scoring goals in clutch situations. If Heatley is looking for a role to fill, that is what San Jose needs from its best players in the playoffs. That, and the occasional fight with an Anaheim Duck."

- Jon Swenson, Sharkspage

And now, their counterparts in Ottawa who, well, are pretty happy about the whole thing.

"I'd be an absolute, brain dead, vegetative idiot to think that the Sens "won" this trade in the conventional sense. Not that The Bryan had much of a choice, but on paper, without a Marleau or even a couple of solid prospects coming the other way with Cheechoo and/or Michalek (a first round pick would have been nice too) this was an outright mugging by Doug Wilson. Or...was it?

Would Ottawa be a better team if Heater had been forced to stay? Maybe...for the first three months of the season. But once the Olympic roster was announced in December, what would stop him from pulling the chute? A dressing room cancer is easier to take if he's scoring 50 goals. A cancer who no longer has any motivation to play somewhere he doesn't want to be? Not so much. At least this way, the Sens are now a legitimate threat over two lines (something we haven't been since...well...forever) and most important, we FINALLY get a drama free room.

Bottom line: The boil has been lanced, we got a couple of pretty good guys in return, and we can now all forget that Dany Heatley was ever an Ottawa Senator. I'd like that. I'd like that very much."

- Paul, Five for Smiting

"The most positive thing about the Heatley trade, at least initially, is getting rid of the distraction. The past two seasons have been torture for Sens fans, and it's going to be nice to go into one with a bit of optimism. The return wasn't market value, but I don't think it ever would have been; the timing for this trade demand could not have been worse, and I think Bryan Murray did the best he could with the hand he was dealt. Michalek and Cheechoo both have reasons to like coming to Ottawa (Cheechoo's closer to his home, and Michalek's closer to his girlfriend's hometown), and both have plenty to prove. The salary flexibility should put the Senators' in a better position, too, although they definitely need to get some offensive talent in their farm system. Bottom line, the Senators should be better than they were last season, but they'll have to use the flexibility wrought by this trade effectively to ensure it's not debilitating in the long-term."

- Peter Raaymakers, Silver Seven Sens

Bloggers React to Heatley Trade originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>dan boyledany heatleydevin setoguchidoug wilsonjoe pavelskijoe thorntonjonathan cheechoomilan michalekpatrick marleaurob blakeryane clowetodd mclellanKevin SchultzMon, 14 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST Dany Boy Gets His Wayhttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/dany-boy-gets-his-way/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/dany-boy-gets-his-way/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/dany-boy-gets-his-way/#commentsFiled under: ,


Dany Heatley, the NHL's Big Baby, got his way. Now we wait to see if Heatley has paved a path in the sandbox for others to follow.
Gretz: How Stats Shake Out in Heatley-to-Sharks Trade

One day last month, Heatley skated on a line with Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau at Team Canada camp, thinking how cool it would be if they were on the same team. Saturday, dealt on demand by Ottawa to San Jose, Big Baby's dream came true. Aw, how sweet ...

Not really. This isn't the first time an All-Star player whined his way off a team, but the Heatley case is a real beaut. Just four years ago he was traded to Ottawa so he could leave Atlanta, where he was charged with vehicular homicide for a car crash that killed Thrashers teammate Dan Snyder. After last season, when Heatley and the once-formidable Sens faced adversity, he showed his appreciation to the community and team that embraced him by declaring he was too good for them.

This isn't the first time a big scorer turned his back on Ottawa. While Heatley pouted out with five years and $33.5 million left on his contract, Alexei Yashin in 2000-01 held out from the Senators with a season left on his. A year later the one-time Hart Trophy candidate was traded to the Islanders for more than equal value: the second overall pick (used to select Jason Spezza) and a future all-world defenseman in Zdeno Chara.

No such luck this time, Sens fans. GM Bryan Murray -- with no leverage and few options because Dany Boy already turned down a deal to Edmonton -- could only get Jonathan Cheechoo, Milan Michalek and a second-round pick. The Sharks tried all summer to unload Cheechoo, a 56-turned-12-goal scorer, and found little interest. Michalek is a strong second-line player capable of 25 goals and 60 points. Neither matches up to Heatley as hockey players.

As people, of course, it's a blowout. But that's not going to do the Senators any good when they are scratching for every point in March to get the eighth seed in the East and Heatley is converting Thornton's feeds for 40 goals. For the second straight year, the Sharks will dominate the regular season. They have seven months before they can prove if the talented infant they just acquired will help make them men in the playoffs.

Two weeks ago, Heatley hilariously blamed his decision to bolt on his revised role under new Ottawa coach Cory Clouston. On Saturday, he Fred Astaired at his final media scrum in the Canadian capital. "There were some personal things that I, uh, thought would be best for everyone involved," Heatley stammered incoherently.

The gutless winger tried one last time to see how many Ottawa people he could bring down with him. A man completely lost in his own b.s., he attempted to stain an entire franchise. Fact: no one in the league bought it. Fact: Heatley just wah-wah-wanted to be on a better team. Turning down Edmonton exposed the Canadian kid as a fraud.

For the last week, FanHouse contacted insiders all over the Senators organization. While the usual hockey urban legends -- a girlfriend issue, a family member too involved -- are in play, everyone we spoke with said Heatley's list of excuses was a farce. "Any of the stuff you might hear or see on the internet is garbage," one of his ex-teammates told FanHouse last night. "The stuff with Cory and his decreased role? A joke. You think he was coming off the first line? Dany didn't have any real problems. He was our problem."

Now Heatley is a Shark. As he makes his case for the Canadian Olympic team and his own stability, he will be a good boy for one season. At the end of it, he could be holding the Stanley Cup. Still, Dany Heatley will not be a winner. Let's also hope he doesn't become a role model for spoiled young NHL stars in search of a way out.

Dany Boy Gets His Way originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>dany heatleyChristopher BottaSun, 13 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST By the Numbers: Dany Heatley Tradehttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/by-the-numbers-dany-heatley-trade/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/by-the-numbers-dany-heatley-trade/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/by-the-numbers-dany-heatley-trade/#commentsFiled under: ,


(Getty Images)

The Dany Heatley saga has, mercifully, come to an end thanks to Saturday's trade that sent him west to San Jose, so it's time to start taking a look at what each team is getting -- and losing -- in this blockbuster deal.

There's no question that San Jose is getting the best player in the trade with Heatley, but can Ottawa realistically replace his production with Michalek and the steadily declining Cheechoo?

The numbers don't look encouraging.

First, let's take a look at how each player performed, offensively, during the 2008-09 campaign.

The Trade: 2008-09 Season Stats
Player
 Pts
 Pts/Min
 ES Pts
 ES Pts/Min
Dany Heatley
 72
 .044 46 .035
Milan Michalek
 57
 .040 36 .033
Jonathan Cheechoo
 29
 .028 19 .022

It was a "down year" for Heatley as he registered his lowest point total since the pre-lockout NHL. Even so, he still managed to light the lamp 39 times, leading the Senators, while his 72 points were third on the team, trailing Daniel Alfredsson by just two points. The Sharks are getting a legitimate front-line talent that should be a good bet for 40 goals. If we assume that he'll play on the top line with an elite puck distributor like Joe Thornton, another 50-goal season (he has two of them) isn't out of the question. Even with his large contract and off-ice issues, that's an awful lot of production to replace for an Ottawa team that's already short on goals (the Senators scored just 213 goals a season ago).

So what is Ottawa getting back with Michalek and Cheechoo? Let's start with the bed news first, just to get it out of the way.

Coming out of the lockout during the 2005-06 season, Jonathan Cheechoo exploded onto the scene with a career year, scoring 56 goals to lead the league while amassing 93 points. Since then? It's been all downhill.

Jonathan Cheecoo: The Decline
Year
 Pts
 Pts/Min
 ES Pts
 ES Pts/Min
2005-06
 93
 .056 50 .047
2006-07
 69
 .051 39 .039
2007-08
 37
 .032 22 .024
2008-09
 29
 .028 19 .022

Cheechoo is signed for two more seasons, carrying a cap hit of approximately $3 million per year. That's a solid chunk of change to pay a guy with that level of production, especially when it's been dropping rather steadily over the past three seasons. Michalek, on the other hand, should offer a bit more optimism for the Senators.

Milan Michalek: The Numbers
Year
 Pts
 Pts/Min
 ES Pts
 ES Pts/Min
2005-06
 35
 .027 24 .024
2006-07
 66
 .050 39 .038
2007-08
 55
 .038 38 .033
2008-09
 57
 .040 36 .033

Entering what will be his fifth full season in the NHL, Michalek doesn't turn 25 until early December, so it stands to reason that he might still have some room to improve. He's a solid two-way player, has great size, and has been consistent in his production (especially at even-strength) over the past three seasons. He's not going to replace Heatley offensively or in the goal-scoring department, but few players in the NHL would.

******

There's no question that Heatley had the Senators between a rock and a hard place all offseason. His trade demands, combined with his no-trade clause and unwillingness to play in certain cities, greatly limited the options for general manager Bryan Murray. Throw in a contract that pays him an average of $7.5 million over the next five seasons and the fact he's asked his way out of the only two cities he's played in during his career, and, well, that's a tough sell. In terms of on-ice production, it was going to be impossible for the Senators to come out on the winning end of any Heatley trade, and my initial reaction to this one is just that: talent-for-talent, they're getting ripped off.

Off-ice and contract issues aside, the Senator are sending away one of the NHL's most prolific goal-scorers and receiving a good first or second line winger (though, not anywhere near as productive as Heatley) and a declining enigma that hasn't come close to repeating his career season from four years ago.

The Senators did what they had to do, but it's hard to argue that they're a better hockey team than they were six months ago.

By the Numbers: Dany Heatley Trade originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Adam GretzSun, 13 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST Dany Heatley Breathes a Sigh of Reliefhttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/12/doug-wilson-dany-heatley-discuss/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/12/doug-wilson-dany-heatley-discuss/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/12/doug-wilson-dany-heatley-discuss/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dany Heatley skated on a line with San Jose's Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton last month at Team Canada's Olympic orientation camp, and because Heatley was thought to be a Sharks' target most of the summer, the three kidded around a bit about the possibility of keeping that line together.

"We were kind of joking around with it," Heatley said on a conference call Saturday after being traded from Ottawa to San Jose. "There was talk of San Jose as well. It was fun to get out on the ice with those guys."
More: Heatley Traded to San Jose, Really

Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said on the same call that Heatley is the kind of player who will make the team better now and, more importantly, later in the year.

"He's a great fit for us, something we've been looking for," Wilson said. "There aren't many guys in the league that have his skill set, to score 50 goals and to be selected to the camp for probably the hardest team in the world to make. A player of this caliber only makes you better, highly motivated and just coming into his prime."

Wilson swung the deal without parting with Marleau, the franchise's all-time leading scorer; left wing Jonathan Cheechoo, one of the Sharks most popular players, is going to the Senators along with Milan Michalek. There was no three-way deal on the table: "Our focus was purely between Ottawa and ourselves," said Wilson, who again criticized an ESPN report Thursday night that Marleau was going to the Kings while Heatley was coming to San Jose.

Heatley said that San Jose always was on the list he'd provided the Senators when he requested a trade after last season. Earlier this summer, it was reported that he'd nixed a deal to Edmonton, but the Sharks -- who won the President's Trophy last season -- are a team that Heatley is excited to play for. He knows several of the players, and head coach Todd McLellan coached Heatley in the World Junior Championships. Assistant general manager Wayne Thomas played at Wisconsin with Heatley's father, Murray.

More than anything, Heatley is just happy to get a summer of uncertainty over with; he was a figure of controversy after the trade request and the Edmonton refusal were made public. "It was tough," he said. "It wasn't the greatest summer. The way it went down, I don't think was the way anyone wanted. But I'm relieved to be going to San Jose. I'm glad it's come to a resolution."

Wilson had cleared some cap space by dealing defensemen Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich to Vancouver, and he said that he believes that Heatley's salary (which averages about $7.5 million per season), is reasonable. "What we don't want to have is golden handcuffs or a retirement plan," Wilson said. "He's 28 years old, we do feel this is very fair."

Is Wilson concerned that Heatley will want out in San Jose after asking to be moved in Atlanta and Ottawa? No.

"We are all completely comfortable with the type of player Dany is and person he is," Wilson said.

Wilson indicated that while he is happy to field calls from other clubs, the current roster is the one that the Sharks will boast going into the season.

"We're right where we are right now," Wilson said, adding, "We're done talking. It's about getting it done on the ice."

Dany Heatley Breathes a Sigh of Relief originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Susan SlusserSat, 12 Sep 2009 18:51:00 EST Dany Heatley Traded to San Jose, Reallyhttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/12/dany-heatley-traded-to-san-jose/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/12/dany-heatley-traded-to-san-jose/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/12/dany-heatley-traded-to-san-jose/#commentsFiled under: ,

After a lot of drama, a failed trade attempt to Edmonton, a bizarre conference call that answered absolutely nothing, and several reports (quickly greeted with denials), disgruntled forward Dany Heatley has finally been traded by the Ottawa Senators. Heatley, along with a fifth-round draft pick, was traded to the San Jose Sharks on Saturday in exchange for forwards Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo, as well as a second-round draft pick.
Botta: Kessel Next? 6 Potential Landing Spots

The trade comes just two days after a report surfaced from ESPN that had Heatley going to San Jose as part of a three-team deal, a report that was quickly denied by Sharks general manager Doug Wilson.

Heatley, a two-time 50-goal scorer, joins a San Jose club that is coming off another disappointing exit in the Stanley Cup playoffs, losing in six games to the No. 8-seeded Anaheim Ducks.

As for the Senators, they receive the 24-year-old Michalek, a former top-six pick who has developed into a steady 25-goal, 55-point performer over the past three seasons and is a strong two-way player. Cheechoo, 29, registered a career-high 56 goals during the 2005-06 season, but has failed to approach those numbers in the following seasons, scoring 37, 23 and 12 over the next three seasons.

More on this blockbuster trade throughout the day.

Dany Heatley Traded to San Jose, Really originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Adam GretzSat, 12 Sep 2009 15:30:00 EST Six Landing Spots for Phil Kesselhttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/12/seven-landing-spots-for-phil-kessel/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/12/seven-landing-spots-for-phil-kessel/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/12/seven-landing-spots-for-phil-kessel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Dany Heatley has now been traded, but Phil Kessel is on the market. Here's a look at where the latter could end up by the start of the regular season.

Edmonton Oilers - The Oilers surprise us sometimes. The Western Canadian rebels have signed restricted free agents to offer sheets and leaped into the Heatley sweepstakes. Since free agents don't line up to sign there -- a darn shame, if you ask me -- the Oilers must acquire any big guns like Kessel through trades.

GM Steve Tambellini has cap space and some good, young, inexpensive players he can move. Boston GM Peter Chiarelli can also say to the young American, "Okay, Phil. You wanted out? Best wishes in Alberta." When Kessel scores in bunches on the fast track in Edmonton, at least it will be in a galaxy far from Beantown.

Nashville Predators - The Predators have the assets and interest, so they cannot be left off this list. Making a move for Kessel would be a bold stroke for the Predators, who could use one to break through as a serious contender in the West.

Toronto Maple Leafs - Bossman Brian Burke is in a jam. He's talked big -- man, I love this guy -- but hasn't delivered. He was public in his passion for John Tavares (he couldn't move up in the draft). He blustered about how every player on his team could be traded (actually, not really). Burke has been very successful wooing free agents from the NHL, college and Europe with Maple Leafs loonies.

Still, he's John Wayne without making the big score. The Leafs are without question a leading contender for Kessel. The biggest reason why it may not happen? Burke has been so loud about it, Chiarelli may be telling himself he'll trade Kessel anywhere except Toronto. Still, if it's his best offer, the Boston GM can't refuse.

New York Islanders - Garth Snow's rebuilding club may not have the key NHL player to satisfy Boston, a contender in the present. Kyle Okposo -- with his large shoulders and relentless approach, he looks and plays like a Bruin -- is not available. What the Islanders do have is about $137 million in cap space and enough collegiate and junior prospects and future draft selections to make two Kessel trades if they wanted to.

Acquiring Kessel wouldn't exactly blow the Islanders' rebuilding program. He turns 22 the day before the team's season opener. The Islanders drafted his brother Blake, a defenseman at the University of New Hampshire, in the sixth round of the 2007 draft. So they've got that going for them, which is nice.

New York Rangers - GM Glen Sather does not have much cap space. He also does not have a true No. 1 center, making a team with Marian Gaborik and potentially Phil Kessel on it ripe for a lot of bagel analogies. Still, since the beginning of time, the Rangers have always been in the mix for star players. As Sather proved with his Houdini-esque, somebody-had-pictures unloading of cap anchor Scott Gomez on Montreal (for assets!), you can't count him out of the Kessel Watch.

Boston Bruins - History illustrates that in nine out of 10 perceived stalemates like this, the team and its young star eventually realize they need each other. Here is Chiarelli last week: "I want Phil to be on our team. If it means moving players, I'll do it. If it means matching offer sheets, I'll do it."

This may take a while -- and could get nastier -- but don't be surprised if Kessel and the Bruins renew their vows.

Six Landing Spots for Phil Kessel originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>phil kesselChristopher BottaSat, 12 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST Patrick Marleau, Doug Wilson Talk About False Trade Reporthttp://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/11/marleau-doug-wilson-discuss-false-trade-report/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/11/marleau-doug-wilson-discuss-false-trade-report/http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/11/marleau-doug-wilson-discuss-false-trade-report/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SAN JOSE -- Patrick Marleau doesn't always pay attention to trade rumors, but Thursday night's report on ESPN that he'd been traded to the Kings was a little different because his phone started ringing non-stop.

Marleau, the Sharks' all-time leading scorer, knew there was no three-way deal with San Jose, Ottawa and Los Angeles. He has a no-trade clause and no one had asked him to waive it.

"When I know something, you'll know something," he told reporters at the Sharks' practice facility on Friday morning, adding of trade rumors in general, "That's just something for people to write about or make up. I don't worry about it. I just have to worry about getting ready for camp."

Marleau has been the subject of trade speculation much of the summer in the wake of San Jose's first-round flop to the the eighth-seeded Ducks. When the NHL's best team in the regular season bowed out so quickly, there was immediate speculation that the Sharks would make some major moves. Then GM Doug Wilson moved Brad Lukowich and Christian Ehrhoff late last month, creating more salary cap flexibility, and the rumors about very available Ottawa wing Dany Heatley sprang to life again.

Wilson was none too pleased with ESPN's false report, which he immediately denied on Thursday night, calling it "complete bull."

On Friday morning, when asked by FanHouse if the Sharks had been involved in talks of any substances with any other clubs, Wilson said, "We take every call from every team. That's the way we do business. ... When we find something that fits for us, we do it. Out of respect for the parties involved, what happened yesterday is not the way we do business."

Wilson has a strict policy of not discussing other teams' players in the media, and of course there are rules about that which were put in place to guard against tampering. But beyond that, Wilson feels a responsibility not to break his trust with his players. Unless and until the Sharks finalize a deal and announce it, he's not going to toss around names. It's a confidential process, he said.

He did note that the team is now in a position to be more flexible if an opportunity should arise, but he doesn't make a habit of denying each and every rumor that comes down the pike as a result. He felt he had to on Thursday night, considering the trade - which ESPN reported would send Alexander Frolov and Jarret Stoll to Ottawa along with Heatley to San Jose and Marleau to L.A. - was being characterized as completed.

Earlier in the day Thursday, this space had speculated about the possibility of the Sharks acquiring Heatley and sending Marleau to Los Angeles; Marleau, whose wife is from San Jose, might be more amenable to Los Angeles than to some other spots, while San Jose's assistant GM, Wayne Thomas, is friendly with the Heatley family and played with Heatley's father, Murray, at Wisconsin.

Wilson reiterated Friday that he has not asked Marleau to waive his no-trade clause, and Marleau confirmed that.

Asked if he believes he'll be in San Jose to start the season, Marleau said, "I'm planning on it. I'll take it one day at a time."

Marleau's teammates are all well aware of the rumors this summer and particularly on Thursday night.

"Paddy's been in 18 different trades," Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle said with a smile. "Last night, I turned on ESPN and sure enough, he was going to L.A. I called him and his wife said it's not true.

"We expect him to be here when the season starts. Obviously, he's a great player, he had a great season last year, and if he's here, great. If not, there's a good player coming in. We'll see. He's a great guy and we'd love to have him around."

Patrick Marleau, Doug Wilson Talk About False Trade Report originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>alexander frolovbrad lukowichchristian ehrhoffdan boyledany heatleydoug wilsonjarrett stollpatrick marleauSusan SlusserFri, 11 Sep 2009 17:15:00 EST